Roberta Grahl Neitz

Roberta “Grahl” Barkoskie Neitz, 91, went home to Jesus on November 11, 2022. Born March 22, 1931 in Jacksonville, Florida to Eston Louis Barkoskie, Sr. and Lois Henson Barkoskie Neeley. She was raised in Palm Valley, Florida and lived a story book life there on the beach, in the swamps and the woods with her beloved parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins; all pioneers of the area. She graduated in 1949 from Fletcher High School. In June 1950 she married the love of her life, Charles Jerald Neitz and together they raised four daughters. They moved to Jacksonville Beach, Florida in 1978. Grahl was an artist and an author. Her book, Cabbageberries, Duck Feathers and the Tides, published in 2006, is a collection of stories about growing up in Palm Valley. She retired from CSX Intermodal in 1993 after 34 years with the railroad.

She is predeceased by her parents, husband of 63 years, Jerald Neitz, brother Eston L. Barkoskie, Jr. and sister Imogene Barkoskie Caines. She is survived by her children; Linnea (Steve) Evatt, Lawanda (Mike) Williams, Jeri (Barry) Barnes and Melanie (Bryon) Harp. Grandchildren; Ronney Boyd, Scott (Heather) Douglas, Summer Boyd (Joe Solomon), Ryan Barnes, Evan (Amber) Barnes, Dyess Harp, Braeden Harp, Steve Evatt, Jr., Jeremiah Evatt, Amanda (Shaun) Hicks and seven great grandchildren.